Peter Kerslake says "A splendid view of Pannier Tank 1501 which shows the unusual design and outside valve gear so uncharacteristic of Western locomotives Region but which had been incorporated into their design to permit easy access for maintenance when "on shed". With just ten being built, the class entered service in late 1949, their primary role being for use as heavy shunting engines and so the first six were sent from new to Old Oak Common to handle the lengthy empty stock movements between Paddington and the Old Oak Stock sidings whilst the last four were rather surprisingly despatched to Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction depots. The first withdrawal came in the summer of 1959 when Newport Ebbw Junction's 1509 was condemned whilst the final four in service at Old Oak lasted until December of 1963. 1501 seen here was one of three sold to the National Coal Board for use at their Coventry Colliery until 1970 when all three were then purchased by the Warwickshire Railway Society with just this one being retained for restoration and preservation and returning to steam in mid 1997."
